After a record-setting season, North Carolina forward Armando Bacot will return for his senior season. In a statement given by the university, Bacot simply wrote “I’m Back” to announce his return to Chapel Hill.
Bacot earned first-team All-ACC honors after leading the nation with 31 double-doubles tying David Robinson for the NCAA single-season record. He also led the ACC in rebounding with 13.1 boards per game while leading the Tar Heels team in scoring (16.3 points) on 56.9 percent shooting from the field and total blocks (65).
During the March Madness tournament, Bacot became the first player to have six double-doubles during the NCAA Tournament. In the Final Four matchup against Duke, Bacot recorded his fifth 20-rebound game, snagging 21 to send the Tar Heels to the National Championship.
In a video captioned ‘Tar Heel forever,’ Bacot elaborated on why he decided to stay one more season being so close to winning the title.
“This year’s experience showed me that I don’t want to miss the chance to do it again,” Bacot said. “On the court, we got so close this year. I know there are no guarantees, but I want to have the opportunity to play in those big games to keep Carolina on that national stage. My Carolina story is not finished yet, and next season starts right now. My name is Armando Bacot, and I’m a Tar Heel.”
